Monument to Joseph Brodsky

The Monument to Joseph Brodsky stands on Novinskiy Boulevard as a bronze composition of thirteen life-sized figures without defined faces, arranged around a central relief portrayal of the poet. The arrangement places his likeness facing toward the US Embassy building, while surrounding bronze figures represent the people who shaped or influenced his journey.

The monument was unveiled in May 2011, commemorating Brodsky's exile from the Soviet Union and his subsequent relocation to the United States. Its placement directly facing the US Embassy underscores the pivotal nature of this geographical and personal shift in his life.

The inscribed name on the granite base serves as a focal point for those who remember his literary contributions. The composition shows how various people in his life, both supporters and detractors, occupied his world.

The easiest way to reach this location is via the Barrikadnaya or Krasnopresnenskaya metro stations, followed by a short walk to the boulevard. Since it stands nestled between two buildings along the street, it helps to know its exact position beforehand or look carefully as you walk past.

The poet's figure stands with tilted head and hands resting in trouser pockets, a posture that conveys a sense of inner contemplation and emotional reserve. This physical presentation gives the work a reflective quality that extends beyond simple commemoration.